Malik Willis New Packers Backup QB

[Joemailman]

Packers acquired him from Tennessee for 2025 7th round pick.

[Joemailman]

Ryan Wood
@ByRyanWood
s
Can confirm #Packers are trading a seventh-round pick to Titans for QB Malik Willis. A third-round pick in 2022, Willis likely will be Jordan Love’s backup.

[Joemailman]

Willis started 3 games for Tennessee in 2022 as a rookie. Very poor passing stats. Ran for 123 yards and a TD. Very mobile QB.

[red]

thats gotta suck for clifford and pratt

they were so shitty that they were replaced by a complete unknown

how was he a third round pick when he had such shitty college number (except for the huge rushing numbers)

[King Friday]

This kid might make for a great sub when the Packers need 1 yard. Brings the QB sneak into play, which you may not want to try with Love.

As a passer, he’s pathetic.

[Joemailman]

Gute to Tom Clements: "See what you can do with this guy."

Draft prospect report:

Overview
Upside quarterback with special parts of his game, but with no guarantee they will be assembled properly into a finished product. Willis uses his rare combination of elite rushing talent and a rocket-launching right arm to unlock explosive plays in two different ways. He has the arm to beat safeties to the deepest parts of the field and makes impressive throws from inside and outside the pocket. On the flip side, Willis' mechanical and operational inconsistencies lead to erratic timing and accuracy, and he doesn't throw with enough touch. Protection and receiver separation were both issues, but Willis also pressed over the second half of the season and never looked comfortable in the Liberty offense. On the pro level, additional film work and a layered, pro-style passing attack could allow for more focused reads and help him see the field faster and more clearly from the pocket. Play-callers must lean into his special talent as a runner and include called runs into the game plan. Even if Willis fails to reach his passing potential, running ability doesn't slump and he has the talent to produce on the ground at a level between Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson.

Strengths
Electrifying dual-threat ability and potential.
Frame is compact, broad and powerful.
Rare escapability and elusiveness on the go.
Finishes strong and gets what is needed on called runs.
Ran for 100-plus yards five times over the last two years.
Able to pace his release according to need.
Ability to recognize blitz and get the ball out.
Makes drive throws with twitchy hips.
Arm strength capable of winning in tight windows.
Beats safeties on deep sideline throws.
Ability to work through progressions when protected.
Wide-lens field scan on rollouts and scrambles.
Rapid mesh-point transition to throw on RPOs.
Strong hands for fluid pump, reset and launch.

Weaknesses
Set depth will get away from him at times.
Below average climbing pocket and staying throw-ready.
Drops eyes rather than standing in and delivering in the face of pressure.
Too many missed opportunities to make easy, on-schedule throws.
Allows throwing windows to close on him.
Poor field recognition and progression quickness over second half of the season.
Pressed and took unnecessary sacks.
Throwing mechanics lack repeatable consistency.
Needs to calm and settle his feet from the pocket.
Elbow drop and overstride have been culprits.
Deep balls can be rushed and a little flat.
Lack of touch greatly diminishes his margin for error as a thrower.
Ball placement causes stride breaks and adjustments for wideouts.
Accuracy plummets when scrambling.
Major struggles bringing in snaps and securing through contact in 2020.

[red]

the fact that the titans traded a former 3rd round pick after 2 seasons for nothing shows that the titans didn't think the guy had anything

i do like the idea of him coming in to the game every now and then to shake things up with his running

[smuggler]

Willis isn't ready to backup now an won't be ready for the foreseeable future. He has to learn the offense, and he's not a cerebral player so it'll take some time. I imagine they'll keep three QBs.

[CaptainKickass]

Is this an offseason Barney Fuckdoggle move?

[Sparkey]

Why is he not a cerebral player ?

[Joemailman]

Willis isn't ready to backup now an won't be ready for the foreseeable future. He has to learn the offense, and he's not a cerebral player so it'll take some time. I imagine they'll keep three QBs.

Tom Clements in the QB room this week:

https://www.shoptherocket.com/cdn/shop/products/MAGWhatchuTalkinBoutWillis.jpg?v=1660754338

[MadScientist]

Would have been nice to have this guy for the full off-season. Learning a new playbook, teammates, and needing to work on mechanics is a bit much to do during the season. Might have to keep Pratt or Clifford on the roster for a couple of weeks as well.

[Joemailman]

It will be interesting to see if Clements and MLF can harness his talent. He went from a small college (Liberty) to a really dysfunctional NFL team. He will get better coaching than he's gotten so far.

[Joemailman]

Willis was sharp in three preseason games this year, completing 20-of-27 passes (74.1 percent) for 205 yards with two touchdowns, one interception and a 104.7 passer rating. He also carried the ball 11 times for 101 yards, with runs of 10-plus yards in every game.

“It’s out of my hands,” Willis said at the conclusion of the preseason. “I mean, more than anything, control what I can control as far as that goes. And just put good things on tape.”

While he played well, he was beaten out by Will Levis and veteran Mason Rudolph.


“That decision (to keep two or three quarterbacks on the active roster) isn’t necessarily related to their play is the point to make,” Titans coach Brian Callahan said. “Whatever we decide to do there, it’s probably based on whatever else we need to do on the roster, not necessarily just their play.”

This preseason, 53 quarterbacks dropped back to pass at least 30 times. Willis ranked second in completion percentage, sixth in yards per attempt and eighth in passer rating.

Meanwhile, Clifford was 47th in completion percentage (51.2), 48th in yards per attempt (4.8) and 45th in passer rating (62.8), and Pratt was 19th in completion percentage (65.7), 43rd in yards per attempt (5.1) and 32nd in passer rating (75.7).

[Fritz]

Willis was sharp in three preseason games this year, completing 20-of-27 passes (74.1 percent) for 205 yards with two touchdowns, one interception and a 104.7 passer rating. He also carried the ball 11 times for 101 yards, with runs of 10-plus yards in every game.

“It’s out of my hands,” Willis said at the conclusion of the preseason. “I mean, more than anything, control what I can control as far as that goes. And just put good things on tape.”

While he played well, he was beaten out by Will Levis and veteran Mason Rudolph.


“That decision (to keep two or three quarterbacks on the active roster) isn’t necessarily related to their play is the point to make,” Titans coach Brian Callahan said. “Whatever we decide to do there, it’s probably based on whatever else we need to do on the roster, not necessarily just their play.”

This preseason, 53 quarterbacks dropped back to pass at least 30 times. Willis ranked second in completion percentage, sixth in yards per attempt and eighth in passer rating.

Meanwhile, Clifford was 47th in completion percentage (51.2), 48th in yards per attempt (4.8) and 45th in passer rating (62.8), and Pratt was 19th in completion percentage (65.7), 43rd in yards per attempt (5.1) and 32nd in passer rating (75.7).

You're probably right Joe - this is more of a long-term thing where the Mad Scientist (not our Mad but Tom Clements) will get a season to work with this kid and hope to hell he doesn't have to step in. I'm guessing they'll then cut Cliffy and Pratt, and re-sign probably Pratt to the PS.

[Bretsky]

I think they traded a "conditional" 7th round pick. He might actually have to be on the roster at a certain point or it could go to zero

[MadtownPacker]

Might be some Taysom Hill kinda plays soon.

[Joemailman]

I think they traded a "conditional" 7th round pick. He might actually have to be on the roster at a certain point or it could go to zero

Tom Silverstein
@TomSilverstein

By the way, the compensation the #Packers paid the #Titans for Malik Willis was a straight seventh in 2025. It was not conditional.

[texaspackerbacker]

For a conditional 7th rounder, this sounds reasonable. If you consider his good work this preseason rather than his bad regular season work in the past, he's probably good to have. Also I like the idea of that wildcat/Taysom Hill stuff.

[NewsBruin]

For a conditional 7th rounder, this sounds reasonable. If you consider his good work this preseason rather than his bad regular season work in the past, he's probably good to have. Also I like the idea of that wildcat/Taysom Hill stuff.

Taysom has positional skill and toughness going for him. When he goes out on the field, he can line up as a receiver, line blocker, or back, so the Saints can bring the starting/backup QB off and back on without telegraphing what Taysom will be doing. I listen to a lot of Saints radio broadcasts, and even after Sean Payton left, their OC stayed on and used a lot of QB Power plays for blocking overmatching. When Taysom's had to be a starter, his mid-to-deep throws have a lot of air underneath them and are very defensible. But if you need to work a defense over and collect 2-5 yards to convert a first down, what they do works.

I think Malik, if he's still twitchy-fast, would be a good pair with Josh Jacobs' power and 11 or 12 personnel, but exploiting mismatches, rather than sustained grinding. I'm surprised he's about the same billed height (one inch shorter) and weight (one pound lighter) as Taysom.

[smuggler]

I realize there might be friction with him not being the starter in Tennessee, and Vrable is gone now, but I feel like the price was definitely right. Wonder if the Titans could've gotten more for him...

[run pMc]

Weird fit for GB offense as it is. He's shorter and more of a running QB.
Has a rocket arm and high-end athleticism.

His pocket presence and poise worries me.

If nothing else, he gives them someone good to practice against on scout teams when they face mobile QBs like Jalen Hurts, Caleb Williams, etc.

Tom Clements might be able to get something out of this guy, but he's like a Justin Fields/Deshone Kizer type to me. I don't get it, but whatever. Clifford, Pratt, or Willis - Any QB they roll out if Love gets hurt is unlikely to keep the team afloat for long.

Giving up a R7 isn't the worst thing. They've had big drafts lately such that they don't really have a lot of roster spots. If you traded Clifford and a R7 for Willis would you feel different? I'm not sure I would. I think it's worth a shot, but they are playing the long game with his development.

[Patler]

per JSO, he was a high school teammate of Xavier McKinney, but stayed in college two years longer than X.

I don't remember this, but JSO has a video clip of him at the scouting combine that went viral. After talking to Nike and getting a bunch of free clothes, coming out of the combine he stopped, opened his bag and gave some of the clothes to a homeless lady with a son. Apparently, he had seen her on the way in and specifically got clothes to give to her because he said he didn't have any money to give to her. Seems like a guy with a good heart.

[MadtownPacker]

Damn Patler, that’s some good stuff. Enough for me to say let’s see what he has to offer.

[MadtownPacker]

Weird fit for GB offense as it is. He's shorter and more of a running QB.
Has a rocket arm and high-end athleticism.

His pocket presence and poise worries me.

If nothing else, he gives them someone good to practice against on scout teams when they face mobile QBs like Jalen Hurts, Caleb Williams, etc.

Tom Clements might be able to get something out of this guy, but he's like a Justin Fields/Deshone Kizer type to me. I don't get it, but whatever. Clifford, Pratt, or Willis - Any QB they roll out if Love gets hurt is unlikely to keep the team afloat for long.

Giving up a R7 isn't the worst thing. They've had big drafts lately such that they don't really have a lot of roster spots. If you traded Clifford and a R7 for Willis would you feel different? I'm not sure I would. I think it's worth a shot, but they are playing the long game with his development.
A play where D thinks he is running and he chucks it deep to Watson? Way different than Clifford and that’s a good thing. No way they got this guy just so he can sit and develop.

[run pMc]

A play where D thinks he is running and he chucks it deep to Watson? Way different than Clifford and that’s a good thing. No way they got this guy just so he can sit and develop.

He'll need some development, he was about as raw as you can be coming out of college. If he takes to Clements' coaching he could do it. They probably figure he's no worse than Clifford in the pocket, and has far far better mobility and athleticism.
There's more upside with Willis than Clifford. I think there's some upside with Pratt, I'll be a little surprised if they don't bring him back on the PS.

I don't think any of the backup QBs were going to help the team a lot (this season) if Love gets hurt.
Gute, better make sure that OL keeps Love healthy.

[Joemailman]

Ryan Wood
@ByRyanWood

Brian Gutekunst says he has no doubt Malik Willis can learn #Packers offense quick enough to be their QB2 in Brazil next week. Working with Brian Callahan, who comes from same tree as Matt LaFleur, helps.

[Fritz]

Yeah, as long as QB#2 doesn't have to actually play.

I gotta think they'll call up Clifford for the first couple of games.

[CaptainKickass]

I'm gonna trust the QB Whisperer, Tom Clements on this one. If everyone in the office agrees the man has a large talent upgrade as compared to The Big Red Dog Clifford and Michael Pratt - then I feel I should believe them and trust in their development program. The following quote doesn't include Matt Flynn or Jordan Love:



It’s easy to know two of them when you look at his time with the Packers. Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers of course. But after those two Legends, there’s Elvis Grbac with the Chiefs, Tommy Maddox and Kordell Stewart with the Steelers, and Kyler Murray with the Cardinals. I bet you didn’t know about at least those first three. But that’s been the impact of Tom Clements.

Reference" https://packerstalk.com/2023/08/04/the-impact-of-tom-clements-quarterback-whisperer/


Additionally, the "pump fake" has almost disappeared from Green Bay since Favre. Favre used it very frequently with his infamous shoulder check movement accompanied by his ability to move the safeties with his eyes. The frequency of the pump fake appeared to go away with Aaron Rodgers though. Whenever Rodgers used the pump fake, on it's infrequent occasion, it was absolutely spectacular. But infrequent it certainly was.

My lone criticism of Rodgers was this infrequent use of the pump fake.

That said, Tom Clements has had far too much QB coaching success with guys who have a talented arm for me to be against this acquisition. Perhaps a nice medium balance of pump fake moves can be achieved during the development process.

[bobblehead]

thats gotta suck for clifford and pratt

they were so shitty that they were replaced by a complete unknown

how was he a third round pick when he had such shitty college number (except for the huge rushing numbers)

He was a pretty solid prospect. Jalen Hurts was a 3rd round pick I think. Mocks had him going late 1st due to his incredible athleticism. I don't know what to think of this. I want a heady gamer as my backup. A game manager. This guy is the exact opposite.

[bobblehead]

Back when, PbMax and I had a conversation about backup QBs. I speculated that the developing of raw talents wasn't the right path for a backup any longer (Love was developed to be a long term starter). With the recent CBOs limiting team contact with guys in the offseason and prohibiting most voluntary team activities its not realistic to develop a Pratt to be a career backup.

Willis has 2 years in the league and some starts. Now he has one of the best in the business to polish the edges. This was a move to maximize the upside of our backup and to be honest does anyone think he is WORSE than Pratt or Clifford right now (besides skinbasket).

[Fritz]

I’m cool with the move.

[Patler]

Back when, PbMax and I had a conversation about backup QBs. I speculated that the developing of raw talents wasn't the right path for a backup any longer (Love was developed to be a long term starter). With the recent CBOs limiting team contact with guys in the offseason and prohibiting most voluntary team activities its not realistic to develop a Pratt to be a career backup.

Willis has 2 years in the league and some starts. Now he has one of the best in the business to polish the edges. This was a move to maximize the upside of our backup and to be honest does anyone think he is WORSE than Pratt or Clifford right now (besides skinbasket).

Agreed.
I also think there is an advantage in having a backup who plays a bit different than the starter. The defense will prepare for what they see from the starter. A few different plays to the strength of a player like Willis will be less prepared for by the defense.

[MadScientist]

Back when, PbMax and I had a conversation about backup QBs. I speculated that the developing of raw talents wasn't the right path for a backup any longer (Love was developed to be a long term starter). With the recent CBOs limiting team contact with guys in the offseason and prohibiting most voluntary team activities its not realistic to develop a Pratt to be a career backup.

Willis has 2 years in the league and some starts. Now he has one of the best in the business to polish the edges. This was a move to maximize the upside of our backup and to be honest does anyone think he is WORSE than Pratt or Clifford right now (besides skinbasket).

Since teams don't carry 3 QB's on the 53 anymore it makes the decision more challenging. Ideally you are always developing a young QB to be a starter, and if you can't use him, trade him for good picks. That worked well in the Favre era, as they had Doug Peterson as the dull but reliable backup, and with the 3rd spot they had Hasselbeck or Brunell. With only 2, you either have to have some passable but never great holding the second spot, or someone inexperienced and possibly not ready to take over. So ideally you are always trying to develop a starter in the backup position, but not necessarily using high draft capital on it. Sometimes it works, and sometimes you have to start Hundley for several games.

[Patler]

Is this an offseason Barney Fuckdoggle move?

I think the answer is: YES! :)

[run pMc]

I think the answer is: YES! :)

Agree. I admit Willis has wildly exceeded my expectations. Gute and MLF are looking like geniuses as the team is keeping pace with DET and within striking distance of MIN. Winning with a backup QB is hard (ask Miami or LAC how that's going) and GB just did it TWICE against admittedly non-playoff teams.
MLF has put him in positions to succeed, and he has. He's not turned the ball over or taken a lot of bad sacks. I am looking forward to seeing what a full offseason with Tom Clements could do for him.

There was no way he was ready to play as a rookie, he's revived his career with these games. Maybe he's Geno Smith 2.0.

[Sparkey]

He was a pretty solid prospect. Jalen Hurts was a 3rd round pick I think. Mocks had him going late 1st due to his incredible athleticism. I don't know what to think of this. I want a heady gamer as my backup. A game manager. This guy is the exact opposite.

It appears that Willis is exactly what you wanted: A smart athletic player who runs the offense as designed, minimizes mistakes and doesn't force things. LeFleur and Clements could do some magic, like turn a 7th into a 3rd.

[Joemailman]

I don't think they'll trade Willis, either this year or next. If Love gets hurt again, I think they'd rather have Willis than have a draft pick and Clifford starting games. If after 2025 someone wants to pay him starter money, they'll take the comp pick. If not sign him again as your backup.

[texaspackerbacker]

The bottom line of this is that this Packer team is loaded enough across the board that we have no significant needs in trade. So a good #2 QB is more important than whatever might be picked up.

[smuggler]

So far that 7th rounder has netted us two wins. Only very rarely do 7th rounders net that over an entire career.

[RashanGary]

So far that 7th rounder has netted us two wins. Only very rarely do 7th rounders net that over an entire career.

Let’s call it 1.5 on the off chance Clifford stumbled into a win. But yes, easily worth a 7 if he does nothing else.

[run pMc]

What's the probability Sean Clifford wins one or both of the last two games? What's the probability he plays turnover free?

What would you trade to go 2-1 vs. be 0-3? Most GMs would gladly give up a R7 for two wins.

[MadtownPacker]

It’s easily 0-3 without Willis.

[smuggler]

Yeah I think it's mostly the escapability and the clean play that preserved us the last two, versus the production. It's quite possible Clifford actually gets more passing yards but we lose both games.

[texaspackerbacker]

I'm all for Willis and give him a lot of well deserved praise. But I think the negativity about Clifford is unwarranted. He isn't that bad, he'd have Clements tutoring him, and he looked decent last season. The badness this preseason was 100% playing with backups at the skilled positions. I would think there's a solid chance we win both of those games with Clifford too,

The Packers are a loaded team at pretty much all positions. They should beat all but a small handful of teams easily if our QB just doesn't throw it away.

[MadScientist]

Clifford looked better last season than this one. That's never a good sign.